Managing director Phil Bentley told the BBC's Newsnight programme his company "had not made it easy for customers".

BBC: British Gas to make changes after 'loss of trust'

The reasons for the price rise echoed the views last week of British Gas managing director Phil Bentley, who claimed that 85% of the price it charged to customers was outside its control.

BBC: Scottish Power to raise gas and electricity prices

Speaking to the Today programme, Phil Bentley said that volatility on the international energy markets meant price rises had had to be made, and the trend would continue unless a new source of cheap gas was discovered.

BBC: Are energy price rises inevitable?

"The IPO of Facebook is the one that investors have all been waiting for, given that it is now an iconic global brand with huge scope to expand even further, " said Phil Wong, stockbroker at Redmayne Bentley.

BBC: Facebook unveils $5bn stock market flotation plans

Later in the day, the President convened a call with Alabama Governor Robert Bentley, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House